Salice Salentino Riserva 2010 – Puglia, Italy
Region
Salice Salentino is one of the 25 DOC wines produced in Puglia. The wine is a blend, using mainly Negroamaro with a small proportion of Malvasia Nera. Paolo Leo’s Salice Salentino vineyard includes four hectares of inter-planted Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera plants, all trained using the typical ‘Alberello Pugliese’ method. The vineyard lies near the town of Salice Salentino, about 9km from the Ionian Sea. Plant density is around 5,000 plants per hectare, with an average yield of 1.8 kg per plant.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested manually in mid-September and placed in wooden crates of 15kg each. In the winery, the grapes are de-stemmed and delicately crushed to minimise damage to the skin. The grapes are subsequently macerated for 12 to 15 days at a controlled temperature of around 18C. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 25C for approximately eight days. Frequent remontage and delestage are carried out to maximise extraction of aromas and gentle tannins. After racking, malolactic fermentation is induced. The wine is then aged for 18 months in stainless steel tanks and months in large oak casks and for six months in bottle prior to release.
Tasting Notes
An intense shade of ruby red, with reflections of dark orange, their Salice Salentino Riserva has unique aromas of red berries and fresh herbs. Dry on the palate, it is well-balanced and full-bodied, with lasting flavours of dried fruits.
